Mo’Nique Might Be Effin Up Her Big Moment
Mo’Nique isn’t considered that “precious” by executives at Lionsgate, which produced her forthcoming film. In fact, insiders are saying the 41-year-old comedian’s bad attitude and shameless demands for money
may jeopardize her chance for Oscar glory – all this before the highly anticipated movie opens on Nov. 6.
The star was MIA Saturday night at the New York Film Festival premiere of the buzzworthy flick “Precious.” She also allegedly ditched her promotional duties during the Toronto Film Festival when she was denied a $100,000 appearance fee.
“That money didn’t even include hair and makeup costs. She also demanded that her glam squad fly first class,” sniped an incredulous industry source. “Apparently, she’s ignorant as to how the Hollywood system works.”
According to our snitch, exasperated studio chiefs suggested that executive producer Oprah Winfrey get involved to deflate Mo’Nique’s substantial ego, but even O couldn’t stop the actress from seeing green.
“Mo’Nique said she signed on to do this film for a small amount of money. She said she didn’t care about ‘no Oscar’ – all that mattered was ‘those Benjamins!’ Because Oprah and Tyler Perry are backing the film, she feels as though there should be a budget to pay for her promotional duties,” the source explains.
But the star’s attitude is starting to work against her. Winfrey and Tyler have reportedly instructed Lionsgate to put their promotional machine behind fellow stars Mariah Carey and Gabby Sidibe for the Oscar race. Those two are adept at playing the game; both turned up in New York and Toronto to push the film for free (although Carey, left, was 30 minutes late to Saturday’s Alice Tully Hall premiere and entered to boos from the audience in response to her tardiness).
“When people say, ‘You care more about money than winning an Oscar,’ well, what does an Oscar mean? An Oscar means more work when you win it, and that means more money!” retorts Mo’Nique in response to the allegations. “I couldn’t eat that Oscar. Everybody needs money, baby. That’s how we survive, right?”
Reps for Winfrey, Tyler and Lionsgate declined to comment, but the film’s director, Lee Daniels, was quick to say, “Mo’Nique is not a diva. She puts her soul into whatever she does. I love her very much.”
He does add, however, that “doing the press is hard for her because she’s in the moment.”
Should Mo’Nique wait for the movie to debut and her role to standout before she starts making financial demands? She clearly signed on to do the movie for a certain amount and now she’s changing the rules.
Tweet this!
Related posts:
- Oprah Mary J. and Mariah party together Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey attended...
- Tyler Perry and Oprah Team up for new movie “Precious” The new movie features appearances by Lenny Kravitz, Monique and...
- Janet Jackson Goes Back to Work After what had to be a heart breaking and...
- The moment! The historic moment… The President and The First Lady. Tweet this!...
- Legalities People, Legalities! Lil Wayne is suing folks. One lawsuit, which name DJ...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Posted by Mocha @ 7:53 am
Comments 2Tags: Monique demanding money, Monique feeling herself, Monique refuses promote, Monique wants money —
wordsRmylife
On October 5, 2009 at 6:56 pmWhat does “in the moment” mean? Further, when you win an Oscar or become nominated for one that automatically ups your film price by millions. Mo’Nique should know that all money ain’t good money and chasing $100,000 when you can demand millions in the future is ALWAYS worth chasing Mr. Oscar.
Mocha
On October 5, 2009 at 11:36 pm@wordsRmylife–Monique sounds crazy as hell to be chasing airline tickets and appearance fees. People always try to get rich quick and sometimes you have to just be patient. In her case, we’re only talking about a few weeks until her film debuts. She is about to get blackballed before she can even win an Oscar. That’s what you call crazy!